608. Crossroads & Stay a Day At Nanpi

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Back on Sima Hui's but, as the flickering lanterns cast long shadows across the room, the three elder scholars sat in solemn silence, each lost in thought. The sealed letter from Lie Fan rested on the table between them, an innocuous piece of parchment carrying the weight of uncertainty and potential peril.

"It's not the invitation that worries me," Sima Hui began, breaking the silence. "It's what it implies. For his messengers to find me so precisely, our village must have been under surveillance for quite some time. That level of reconnaissance suggests meticulous planning. Lie Fan's reach may be greater than we anticipated."

Pang Degong nodded, his fingers lightly drumming the edge of the table. "If he knows of our presence here, it is likely he also knows of Kongming, Shiyuan, and Yuanzhi. Their reputations precede them, and any warlord worth his salt would covet such talent. The question is, what does Lie Fan truly seek?"

Huang Chengyan stroked his beard, his expression troubled. "And what happens if we refuse? Lie Fan's reputation suggests he is a man of reason, but power often clouds even the clearest minds. If he takes our refusal as an affront, he may retaliate. Our village is secluded, yes, but not impervious to harm."

The gravity of their situation was becoming clearer with each passing moment. The quiet life they had cultivated in the mountains, far from the turmoil of the warring Warlords eyeing unification, now seemed fragile, exposed to the encroaching chaos.

After a pause, Pang Degong spoke again, his voice steady. "There is another layer to this. If we accept his invitation, even tentatively, we risk being drawn into the very conflict we sought to avoid. Yet, outright refusal could endanger not just us, but everyone in this village. Our decision must balance these risks."

Sima Hui leaned back, a rare frown crossing his face. "Lie Fan's offer comes at a time when the land is fractured and desperate for unity. His ambition is undeniable, but is it guided by virtue? Or is he another who seeks power for its own sake? These are questions we cannot answer without more insight into the man himself."

Huang Chengyan glanced toward the adjoining rooms where the younger generation rested. His expression softened, but his tone remained firm. "Kongming, Shiyuan, and Yuanzhi are the future. Their involvement in this decision must not be taken lightly. If we choose poorly, we may inadvertently set them on a path of turmoil and regret."

The three men fell into silence once more, the weight of their discussion pressing heavily upon them. The letter on the table seemed to loom larger than before, a silent reminder of the decision that awaited them.

As the night wore on, the soft chirping of crickets filled the air, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere inside Sima Hui's hut. Finally, Pang Degong broke the silence, his tone contemplative.

Pang Degong let out a slow breath, his thoughtful demeanor unchanged as he turned to Sima Hui and Huang Chengyan. "We've mulled over this long enough for one night," he said gently but firmly. "Let us rest. There's no immediate deadline for this decision. Lie Fan's messengers didn't specify a time frame, so we should take advantage of that. The gravity of this matter requires deliberation, not haste."

Sima Hui nodded, his expression softening. "You're right. Our minds are sharpest when rested. Tomorrow, with clearer heads, we can continue."

Huang Chengyan agreed as well, though his brow remained furrowed. "A prudent course. We should tread carefully in our discussions. And," he added after a pause, "we should not involve Kongming, Shiyuan, or Yuanzhi just yet. They are young and ambitious. If they hear of this invitation, it may influence their judgment on the paths they want to take."

Pang Degong inclined his head. "Precisely. Let them walk their own paths without the shadow of our deliberations looming over them, at least for now. When the time is right, we will involve them."

With the decision made, Sima Hui moved to secure Lie Fan's letter. He slid open a hidden compartment beneath a wooden floorboard, placing the parchment inside and locking it with a sturdy latch. "It'll be safe here," he murmured as he carefully covered the compartment again.

He then escorted Huang Chengyan and Pang Degong to the front door of his hut. The air was cool, carrying the faint aroma of pine and damp earth. The stars above glittered like scattered pearls against the vast black canvas of the night.

"Goodnight, old friends," Sima Hui said quietly as they stepped into the soft glow of the moonlight. "We'll meet again in the morning."

Pang Degong and Huang Chengyan nodded, offering their farewells before departing. As Sima Hui watched their figures fade into the night, he lingered at the doorway, his gaze turning upward.

The stars seemed both distant and inscrutable, offering no clarity despite their brilliance. He sighed, his heart heavy with the weight of uncertainty. For all his years of wisdom, this was a crossroads he could not easily navigate.

Far to the north, under a different expanse of stars, Lie Fan rode astride his prized horse, Pangu. The powerful steed moved with an easy grace, its black coat gleaming under the moonlight. Beside him, his wife, Lu Lingqi, kept pace on her own horse, her posture confident and poised. The two led the Qilin Army on their return journey to Xiapi after a successful campaign.

As the troops moved steadily through the countryside, Lie Fan turned to Lu Lingqi. "We'll rest at Nanpi tomorrow," he said, his voice carrying over the rhythmic clatter of hooves. "It's been a long march, and I have matters to discuss with the Zhen Clan. Zhen Yi will be named Grand Administrator of Nanpi. It's time to solidify our cooperation with them and expand our influence."

Lu Lingqi glanced at him, her sharp eyes studying his face. "The Zhen Clan will be elated," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But you always think two steps ahead. What's your true aim in elevating Zhen Yi?"

Lie Fan chuckled, his tone warm yet deliberate. "You know me too well, Qi'er. The Zhen Clan's mercantile power is unmatched in the north, but influence alone isn't enough in these times. By integrating them into the administrative structure, we secure their loyalty and ensure that Nanpi remains a stable, prosperous hub under our control."

Lu Lingqi nodded, impressed as always by her husband's foresight. "You've thought of everything. Still, Zhen Yi will need to prove himself. Governing a prosperous city like Nanpi is no small task."

"That's why I'm sending Xun You and Sima Yi to oversee the transition," Lie Fan replied. "Zhen Yi has the ability and experience from his work, but at the end of the day governing a town and overseeing merchant works was a tad different. With their guidance, he'll rise to the challenge."

The next day, the Qilin Army arrived at Nanpi to a warm reception. Banners bearing Lie Fan's insignia fluttered in the breeze as the townsfolk gathered to greet their leader. The Zhen Clan, led by Zhen Yi and the family elders, awaited them at the gates, their expressions a mixture of reverence and anticipation.

Lie Fan dismounted and approached them, flanked by Sima Yi and Xun You. Zhen Yi, with his sharp features and composed demeanor, stepped forward and bowed deeply. "My lord," he said respectfully, "it is an honor to welcome you back to Nanpi."

Lie Fan returned the gesture with a nod. "Zhen Yi, your clan has long been a pillar of strength in the northern region and has proven your loyalty. Today, I entrust you with an even greater responsibility. You will serve as Grand Administrator of Nanpi, overseeing its governance and ensuring its continued prosperity."

A murmur of astonishment rippled through the Zhen Clan elders. Zhen Yi's face lit up with a mixture of pride and happiness. "I am deeply honored by your trust, my lord," he said, his voice steady despite the emotion in his eyes. "I will not disappoint you."

Lie Fan nodded approvingly at Zhen Yi. "To ensure a smooth transition into your new role, Sima Yi and Xun You will accompany you today. They'll guide you through the administrative processes, familiarize you with the paperwork, and help you understand the governance system."

Zhen Yi cupped his hands and bowed deeply. "Thank you for your generosity and trust, my lord. I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations." He turned to Sima Yi and Xun You, both of whom offered faint smiles and nods of acknowledgment. "I look forward to learning from your wisdom."

Sima Yi, put on a meticulous and calm face, and responded with a measured tone. "The work of governance is arduous but rewarding, Zhen Yi. We will ensure you're well-prepared to shoulder these responsibilities."

Xun You added with a faint smile, "Efficiency and balance are key. Nanpi is a prosperous city, maintaining that prosperity requires prudence and impartiality."

Lie Fan gestured toward the Governor's Castle. "Start immediately. The sooner Zhen Yi becomes familiar with his duties, the better for Nanpi's stability. I intend to resume our march tomorrow morning."

With a final bow, Zhen Yi led Sima Yi and Xun You toward the Governor's Castle. Their steps were brisk, and Zhen Yi's expression betrayed a mixture of eagerness and trepidation. He knew this was a pivotal moment, not only for him but for the Zhen Clan.

With the administrative matters delegated, Lie Fan turned to Lu Lingqi. "Shall we explore the market?" he asked, a hint of playfulness in his tone.

Lu Lingqi smiled, her sharp eyes softening. "You wish to have explore the market at this time? That's rare for you."

Lie Fan chuckled. "Even a warlord needs to breathe. Besides, Nanpi's market is renowned. It's an opportunity to observe the pulse of the city firsthand."

Accompanied by three of his bodyguards, known as the Yellow Ghosts, the couple ventured into the bustling heart of Nanpi. The market was alive with activity, vendors called out their wares, children darted between stalls, and the rich aroma of spices and grilled meat filled the air.

Lie Fan and Lu Lingqi moved leisurely through the crowds, their presence causing subtle ripples of awe and curiosity among the townsfolk. Despite their attempts to remain inconspicuous, the commanding aura of the Qilin Army's leader and his fierce wife was hard to ignore.

They stopped at a silk merchant's stall, where vibrant fabrics in every shade imaginable were displayed. Lu Lingqi ran her fingers over a bolt of crimson silk, her discerning eye assessing its quality. "This would make a fine robe," she remarked.

Lie Fan nodded. "Then it's yours. Consider it a token of appreciation for enduring these marches with me."

Lu Lingqi arched an eyebrow but smiled nonetheless. "A token, you say? I'll accept it."

As they continued through the market, Lie Fan observed the people with keen interest. He noted their expressions, most seemed content, their livelihoods thriving under the Zhen Clan's mercantile leadership. However, a few wore signs of weariness, perhaps from the strain of ongoing political transitions.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 32 (199 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0